Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester this month, but they might struggle to do a deal.
Eddie Howe is in the market for a new centre midfielder, and is keen to bring a new ‘number six’ to the club. And the search is now intensifying following Jonjo Shelvey’s latest injury. Having only just got over a hamstring problem, the 30-year-old is now set to potentially be out for another two months with a calf issue.
That has forced Newcastle to step up their pursuit of a centre midfielder during the January transfer window. And the Telegraph believe that Tielemans and Moises Caicedo are two players that Howe is keen on.
However, a move for the Brighton youngster is seen as a longshot. It has recently been reported that the Seagulls want at least £60million for the 21-year-old.
In contrast, Tielemans will cost nowhere near as much. That is because his contract at the King Power Stadium is set to expire in the summer.
This month is the Foxes’ last chance to recoup some cash on the Belgian, having bought him for £32million in 2019.
He will be available for a lot less this month, which could appeal to a Newcastle side that are looking to keep on the right side of financial fair play.
Tielemans would be an exciting addition to Howe’s squad. In the words of Brendan Rodgers, he is an ‘outstanding‘ footballer.
But while he might be more affordable than Caicedo, another issue could stop Tielemans moving to St James’ Park in the coming weeks.
Wage demands could mean Newcastle struggle to sign Tielemans
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal were interested in signing Tielemans during the summer transfer window. However, they report that their interest ended due to his over the top wage demands.
Half a season on and Tielemans is even closer to becoming a free agent. When you consider his contract status, it is no surprise that he is looking for a big pay day from his next deal.
According to Salary Sport, his current Leicester deal is worth £120,000-a-week. Unsurprisingly, he will be after a few more quid when he signs his next contract – whether that’s an extension with the Foxes or joining a new club.
It was reported over the summer by the Sun that the 25-year-old wanted £200,000-a-week to join Arsenal. That would explain why they walked away from a deal.
If he is still looking for that figure, it could rule out a move to Newcastle. The Magpies have been keen not to throw out mega wages since the change of ownership, despite PIF’s obscene wealth.
It has been reported that Bruno Guimaraes is in line for a new deal at St James’ Park, which would see him become the club’s best paid player ever. A report from Goal has claimed that he could soon earn around £200,000-a-week if he extends his stay on Tyneside.
That is the same figure that Tielemans was looking for in the summer, but it seems highly unlikely that Newcastle would be keen to pay him just as much as Bruno – maybe in the future if he proved to be just as good, but not straightaway.
Of course, this is all speculation as it stands. And Newcastle could have the pull of European football to help lure Tielemans to the North East. However, like a lot of major targets, money could be an issue for the Magpies.
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